Mud Cleanup Begins
Even though City crews were patrolling mud prone areas yesterday, they were unable to begin clean-up until the rain stops. The City waits for the rain to stop for employee safety, and because it is very difficult to scoop-up muddy water. When the mud is in its most liquid form, it spills out of the equipment and back onto City streets. Once the rain ceases long enough for most of the moisture to run out of the mud, the City can begin removing the mud from the streets.
Starting today, City crews will begin cleaning-up mud deposited on city streets. The priorities are based upon the number of residents impacted – the greater the number of residents impacted, the higher the priority. We anticipate that all streets will be clear of mud and debris by the end of the day Thursday, February 19th.
Once again, the City would like to express its appreciation for the cooperation of those residents in the mud impacted areas. It is due to our mutual efforts that the City has not experienced any serious reports of damage. Thank you for your patience and assistance.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
City Downgrades to a Green Mud Alert
City Downgrades to a Green Mud Alert
The City of Sierra Madre has downgraded to a Green Flag Mud Alert for Sierra Madre residences in potential mud flow areas.
The County of Los Angeles Public Works Department has declared a no phase mudflow forecast from the Santa Anita Fire burn area.
The City would like to thank the residents for their continued preparation and due diligence during this rainstorm.
Additional information on how to protect your home can be found on the City’s website, www.cityofsierramadre.com. Mud incident updates can be found at www.sierramadrepio.blogspot.com.
The City of Sierra Madre has downgraded to a Green Flag Mud Alert for Sierra Madre residences in potential mud flow areas.
The County of Los Angeles Public Works Department has declared a no phase mudflow forecast from the Santa Anita Fire burn area.
The City would like to thank the residents for their continued preparation and due diligence during this rainstorm.
Additional information on how to protect your home can be found on the City’s website, www.cityofsierramadre.com. Mud incident updates can be found at www.sierramadrepio.blogspot.com.
The City of Sierra Madre issued a Red Flag Mud Alert late Sunday evening which has continued into today, Monday, February 16, 2009, after the Los Angeles County Public Works Department issued a Phase 2 Mud Alert. First responders for Police, Fire, Public Works, and Emergency Operations continue to stand by and are closely monitoring the storm. Please keep in mind for the safety of responding personnel, mud cannot be removed from the streets until it has stopped flowing. At this time, there have been no serious reports of mud damage or injuries.
Currently there are no mandatory evacuations underway. Residents in the mud flow areas should consider voluntarily evacuating as more rain is expected this afternoon. There will be no evacuation center opened until such a time as evacuations become mandatory.
The City would like to remind drivers to be cautious as there is excessive water in the streets.
A Red Flag Alert restricts parking on streets in the Upper and Lower Canyon. Affected streets are Mount Wilson Trail, Churchill Rd., Skyland Dr., Fern Glen, Fern Dr., Idlehour Ln., Canyon Crest Dr., Orange Dr., Woodland Dr., Brookside Lane, Sunnyside Lane, Yucca Trail, Elm Ave, Sturtevant Dr. and Holly Trail. Vehicles left on the street may be towed at the owner’s expense. Overnight parking restrictions though the rest of the City are lifted during Flag Alerts.
The City would like to thank the residents for their continued preparation and due diligence during this rainstorm.
Posted by Elaine on February 16th @ 1:00 pm
Currently there are no mandatory evacuations underway. Residents in the mud flow areas should consider voluntarily evacuating as more rain is expected this afternoon. There will be no evacuation center opened until such a time as evacuations become mandatory.
The City would like to remind drivers to be cautious as there is excessive water in the streets.
A Red Flag Alert restricts parking on streets in the Upper and Lower Canyon. Affected streets are Mount Wilson Trail, Churchill Rd., Skyland Dr., Fern Glen, Fern Dr., Idlehour Ln., Canyon Crest Dr., Orange Dr., Woodland Dr., Brookside Lane, Sunnyside Lane, Yucca Trail, Elm Ave, Sturtevant Dr. and Holly Trail. Vehicles left on the street may be towed at the owner’s expense. Overnight parking restrictions though the rest of the City are lifted during Flag Alerts.
The City would like to thank the residents for their continued preparation and due diligence during this rainstorm.
Posted by Elaine on February 16th @ 1:00 pm
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Red Flag Mud Alert
The City of Sierra Madre has issued a Red Flag Mud Alert for Sierra Madre residences in potential mud flow areas. LA County Department of Public Works has issued a Phase 2 mud flow alert - defined as moderate debris and mudflows at more widespread locations.
Heavy rainfall is predicted to begin around 4 a.m. Monday, February 16 and continuing throughout the day. The predicted storm total is over 2 inches of rain.
It is recommended that residents in the following areas prepare for potential mudflow deposition on: Auburn Avenue east of Auburn Debris Basin; the development under construction north of Carter Avenue; Carter Avenue between the development and Mira Monte Avenue; Mt. Wilson Trail near Mira Monte Avenue; Churchill Road near Skyland Drive; Skyland Drive; streets below Sierra Madre Debris Dam (Sumac Trail, Brookside Lane, Woodland Drive); Yucca Trail; Lotus Lane, above Camillo Street and Sturtevant Debris Basin; Sunrise Hill Lane; Santa Anita Canyon Road above Lannan Debris Basin.
Affected residents should prepare to leave their homes and mandatory evacuations may take place. Please note that all vehicles must be off the streets in potential mudflow areas during Red Flag alerts. Over night parking restrictions are lifted throughout the City during Mud Flag Alerts.
Voluntary evacuations are recommended for mud flow areas. There will be no evacuation center opened until such a time as evacuations become mandatory.
Additional information on how to protect your home can be found on the City’s website, www.cityofsierramadre.com.
Heavy rainfall is predicted to begin around 4 a.m. Monday, February 16 and continuing throughout the day. The predicted storm total is over 2 inches of rain.
It is recommended that residents in the following areas prepare for potential mudflow deposition on: Auburn Avenue east of Auburn Debris Basin; the development under construction north of Carter Avenue; Carter Avenue between the development and Mira Monte Avenue; Mt. Wilson Trail near Mira Monte Avenue; Churchill Road near Skyland Drive; Skyland Drive; streets below Sierra Madre Debris Dam (Sumac Trail, Brookside Lane, Woodland Drive); Yucca Trail; Lotus Lane, above Camillo Street and Sturtevant Debris Basin; Sunrise Hill Lane; Santa Anita Canyon Road above Lannan Debris Basin.
Affected residents should prepare to leave their homes and mandatory evacuations may take place. Please note that all vehicles must be off the streets in potential mudflow areas during Red Flag alerts. Over night parking restrictions are lifted throughout the City during Mud Flag Alerts.
Voluntary evacuations are recommended for mud flow areas. There will be no evacuation center opened until such a time as evacuations become mandatory.
Additional information on how to protect your home can be found on the City’s website, www.cityofsierramadre.com.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Sierra Madre Downgrades to Green Flag Alert
The City of Sierra Madre has downgraded to a Green Flag Mud Alert for Sierra Madre residences in potential mud flow areas. The County of Los Angeles Public Works Department has removed the Phase 1 Mudflow Forecast from the Santa Anita Fire burn area. National Weather Services is posting a 30% chance of rain or snow through this evening and residents are encouraged remain diligent.
City officials and staff would like to thank the residents for their continued preparations, hard work, and cooperation during the past few days.
Additional information including preparation information and links to County Mudflow forecasts and National Weather Services forecasts can be found on the City’s website, http://www.cityofsierramadre.com/.
City officials and staff would like to thank the residents for their continued preparations, hard work, and cooperation during the past few days.
Additional information including preparation information and links to County Mudflow forecasts and National Weather Services forecasts can be found on the City’s website, http://www.cityofsierramadre.com/.
Yellow Flag Alert Extended 2/09/09
The City of Sierra Madre has extended the Yellow Flag Alert this morning, Monday, February 9, 2009.
The County of Los Angeles Public Works Department has re-issued a Phase 1 Mudflow forecast as of 7:40AM this morning.
A Phase 1 indicates that small isolated debris and mudflows are possible at specific locations.
Parking restrictions are in effect in the Upper and Lower Canyon during Yellow or Red Flag alerts. Vehicles may be towed at owner’s expense.
The affected streets are: Mount Wilson Trail, Churchill Rd., Skyland Dr., Fern Glen, Fern Dr., Idlehour Ln., Canyon Crest Dr., Orange Dr., Woodland Dr., Brookside Lane, Sunnyside Lane, Yucca Trail, Sturtevant Dr., Elm Ave., and Holly Trail.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to be "set" to leave at a moments notice and may choose to voluntarily evacuate.
Once again, the City would like to thank you for your preparations and efforts to manage the mud and derbis flows over the past few days.
The County of Los Angeles Public Works Department has re-issued a Phase 1 Mudflow forecast as of 7:40AM this morning.
A Phase 1 indicates that small isolated debris and mudflows are possible at specific locations.
Parking restrictions are in effect in the Upper and Lower Canyon during Yellow or Red Flag alerts. Vehicles may be towed at owner’s expense.
The affected streets are: Mount Wilson Trail, Churchill Rd., Skyland Dr., Fern Glen, Fern Dr., Idlehour Ln., Canyon Crest Dr., Orange Dr., Woodland Dr., Brookside Lane, Sunnyside Lane, Yucca Trail, Sturtevant Dr., Elm Ave., and Holly Trail.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to be "set" to leave at a moments notice and may choose to voluntarily evacuate.
Once again, the City would like to thank you for your preparations and efforts to manage the mud and derbis flows over the past few days.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Yellow Flag Alert
The City of Sierra Madre has issued a Yellow Flag Alert effective immediately. The County of Los Angeles Public Works Department has issued a Phase 1 Mudflow forecast as of 3:30PM, Sunday, February 8, 2009.
A Phase 1 indicates that small isolated debris and mudflows are possible at specific locations. Streets may once again be flooded or blocked by debris. Woodland Drive, Skyland Drive, and other streets may be closed due to blockage and cleanup efforts throughout the night.
Parking restrictions are in effect in the Upper and Lower Canyon during Yellow or Red Flag alerts. Vehicles may be towed at owner’s expense.
The affected streets are: Mount Wilson Trail, Churchill Rd., Skyland Dr., Fern Glen, Fern Dr., Idlehour Ln., Canyon Crest Dr., Orange Dr., Woodland Dr., Brookside Lane, Sunnyside Lane, Yucca Trail, Sturtevant Dr., Elm Ave., and Holly Trail.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to be "set" to leave at a moments notice and may choose to voluntarily evacuate.
A Phase 1 indicates that small isolated debris and mudflows are possible at specific locations. Streets may once again be flooded or blocked by debris. Woodland Drive, Skyland Drive, and other streets may be closed due to blockage and cleanup efforts throughout the night.
Parking restrictions are in effect in the Upper and Lower Canyon during Yellow or Red Flag alerts. Vehicles may be towed at owner’s expense.
The affected streets are: Mount Wilson Trail, Churchill Rd., Skyland Dr., Fern Glen, Fern Dr., Idlehour Ln., Canyon Crest Dr., Orange Dr., Woodland Dr., Brookside Lane, Sunnyside Lane, Yucca Trail, Sturtevant Dr., Elm Ave., and Holly Trail.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to be "set" to leave at a moments notice and may choose to voluntarily evacuate.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Sierra Madre at Green Flag Alert
The City of Sierra Madre has downgraded to a Green Flag Mud Alert for Sierra Madre residences in potential mud flow areas. The County of Los Angeles Public Works Department has removed the Phase 1 Mudflow Forecast from the Santa Anita Fire burn area. There is still a 60% chance of rain through this evening and residents are encouraged remain diligent.
City officials and staff would like to thank the residents for their continued preparations, hard work, and cooperation during this mud event.
Additional information including preparation information and links to County Mudflow forecasts and National Weather Services forecasts can be found on the City’s website, http://www.cityofsierramadre.com/.
posted by James
City officials and staff would like to thank the residents for their continued preparations, hard work, and cooperation during this mud event.
Additional information including preparation information and links to County Mudflow forecasts and National Weather Services forecasts can be found on the City’s website, http://www.cityofsierramadre.com/.
posted by James
Friday, February 6, 2009
Woodland Drive Open at 5:00PM Friday 2/6/09
Woodland Drive has been cleared for vehicular traffic as of 5:00PM Friday evening.
Skyland Drive will remain closed until further notice.
The City will remain under a Yellow Flag Alert overnight due to the Phase One Mudflow Alert from the LA County Public Works Department.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch as of 4:00PM Friday and extending through Saturday morning.
Affected residents should continue to monitor local weather reports and get “SET” to leave their homes or choose to voluntarily evacuate.
Please note that all vehicles must be off the streets in potential mudflow areas during Yellow Flag alerts. Overnight parking restrictions are lifted throughout the City during Yellow Flag Alerts.
Again, the City would like to thank all of the residents who assisted with the work in order to open Woodland Drive for their neighbors.
posted by James
Skyland Drive will remain closed until further notice.
The City will remain under a Yellow Flag Alert overnight due to the Phase One Mudflow Alert from the LA County Public Works Department.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch as of 4:00PM Friday and extending through Saturday morning.
Affected residents should continue to monitor local weather reports and get “SET” to leave their homes or choose to voluntarily evacuate.
Please note that all vehicles must be off the streets in potential mudflow areas during Yellow Flag alerts. Overnight parking restrictions are lifted throughout the City during Yellow Flag Alerts.
Again, the City would like to thank all of the residents who assisted with the work in order to open Woodland Drive for their neighbors.
posted by James
NWS Flash Flood Watch
FOR LOS ANGELES COUNTY SAN GABRIEL VALLEY- THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LOS ANGELES/OXNARD HAS ISSUED A * FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR THE RECENT BURN AREAS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY * FROM 4 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING * MODERATE TO HEAVY SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE CAPABLE OF RAINFALL RATES UP TO ONE INCH AN HOUR ACROSS THE BURN AREAS TODAY THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING.
The City of Sierra Madre remains at a Yellow Flag Warning. This is described as small, isolated debris and mudflows possible at specific locations. Affected residents should get “SET” to leave their homes and may choose to voluntarily evacuate. Please note that all vehicles must be off the streets in potential mudflow areas during Yellow Flag alerts. Overnight parking restrictions are lifted throughout the City during Yellow Flag Alerts.
The City wants to thank residents in the affected areas for the patience and cooperation as Woodland Dr. remains closed at Sturtevant Dr. as well as Skyland Dr. Public Works crews are working to clear debris, but please note that road cleaning cannot be done while its heavily raining. Please continue to give your full cooperation to emergency personnel as they work to clear the streets.
The City of Sierra Madre remains at a Yellow Flag Warning. This is described as small, isolated debris and mudflows possible at specific locations. Affected residents should get “SET” to leave their homes and may choose to voluntarily evacuate. Please note that all vehicles must be off the streets in potential mudflow areas during Yellow Flag alerts. Overnight parking restrictions are lifted throughout the City during Yellow Flag Alerts.
The City wants to thank residents in the affected areas for the patience and cooperation as Woodland Dr. remains closed at Sturtevant Dr. as well as Skyland Dr. Public Works crews are working to clear debris, but please note that road cleaning cannot be done while its heavily raining. Please continue to give your full cooperation to emergency personnel as they work to clear the streets.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Debris Flows in Upper and Lower Canyon
The City of Sierra Madre Emergency Services responded to Skyland Dr. and Woodland Dr. at approximately 5:50PM and encountered mud and debris on both streets. As a result, Woodland Dr. will be closed at Sturtevant Dr. overnight. Skyland Dr. will also be closed to traffic.
Sierra Madre Public Works Department will begin the process of clearing the roads shortly after 6:30AM tomorrow morning (Friday, February 6, 2009), weather permitting. Road cleaning cannot be done while its raining. First priority will be Woodland Drive, as its closure impacts a significant number of residents. Will will clear the blockage of Skyland Drive as quickly as possible.
The City remains at a Yellow Flag Alert and urges residents in the affected areas to continue to monitor weather reports and contact the Sierra Madre Police Department at either 911 or 626-355-1414 to report any new hazardous situations.
Sierra Madre Public Works Department will begin the process of clearing the roads shortly after 6:30AM tomorrow morning (Friday, February 6, 2009), weather permitting. Road cleaning cannot be done while its raining. First priority will be Woodland Drive, as its closure impacts a significant number of residents. Will will clear the blockage of Skyland Drive as quickly as possible.
The City remains at a Yellow Flag Alert and urges residents in the affected areas to continue to monitor weather reports and contact the Sierra Madre Police Department at either 911 or 626-355-1414 to report any new hazardous situations.
posted by James
Sierra Madre Issues Yellow Flag Alert
Yellow Flag Alert
The County has issued a Phase 1 mud and debris flow alert. National Weather Service is forecasting 70% to 80% chance of precipitation today through Friday evening. The NWS is also forecasting the heaviest rains for today may reach 0.7” between the hours of 4:00PM and 10:00PM. A Phase 1 indicates that small isolated debris and mudflows are possible at specific locations. Streets may be flooded or blocked by debris. Reports of debris on private property may be received. Few, if any, structures may be endangered.
Parking restrictions are in effect in the Upper and Lower Canyon during Yellow or Red Flag alerts. Vehicles may be towed at owner’s expense.
Green-Yellow-Red Flag Warning System Explanation
The City is acutely aware of the inconvenience that the yellow and red flag warning system and its accompanying parking restrictions cause our residents. We are truly sorry for that inconvenience and we thank our residents for their continued patience.
Thus, we do not take lightly the posting of yellow and red flag warnings. We have developed the warning system using the best, most accurate information available regarding rainfall amounts, hydrology, and local geology. For that information, we rely strictly on the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (LACDPW). For consistency and to avoid arbitrarily inconveniencing our residents the City issues our warnings based on recommendations from those agencies.
Condition Green is called upon receipt of a NWS forecast calling for 80% or greater chance of rain.
Condition Yellow is called upon receipt of an LACDPW Phase 1 Debris and Mudflow Forecast. LACDPW develops their forecast utilizing NWS rainfall intensity data, geologic data specific to the mountains above Sierra Madre, and LACDPW’s own empirical data on local hydrology and debris flow characteristics.
Condition Red is called upon receipt of an LACDPW Phase 2 or 3 Debris and Mudflow Forecast.
Finally, the City issues the warnings as quickly as possible following receipt of NWS and LACDPW forecasts. While it appears counterintuitive to call a Yellow Flag warning while the sun is still shining, the City must err on the side of caution. Again, thank you for your continued patience.
Yellow Flag Condition is now in effect. For more information, please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com.
posted by James
The County has issued a Phase 1 mud and debris flow alert. National Weather Service is forecasting 70% to 80% chance of precipitation today through Friday evening. The NWS is also forecasting the heaviest rains for today may reach 0.7” between the hours of 4:00PM and 10:00PM. A Phase 1 indicates that small isolated debris and mudflows are possible at specific locations. Streets may be flooded or blocked by debris. Reports of debris on private property may be received. Few, if any, structures may be endangered.
Parking restrictions are in effect in the Upper and Lower Canyon during Yellow or Red Flag alerts. Vehicles may be towed at owner’s expense.
Green-Yellow-Red Flag Warning System Explanation
The City is acutely aware of the inconvenience that the yellow and red flag warning system and its accompanying parking restrictions cause our residents. We are truly sorry for that inconvenience and we thank our residents for their continued patience.
Thus, we do not take lightly the posting of yellow and red flag warnings. We have developed the warning system using the best, most accurate information available regarding rainfall amounts, hydrology, and local geology. For that information, we rely strictly on the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (LACDPW). For consistency and to avoid arbitrarily inconveniencing our residents the City issues our warnings based on recommendations from those agencies.
Condition Green is called upon receipt of a NWS forecast calling for 80% or greater chance of rain.
Condition Yellow is called upon receipt of an LACDPW Phase 1 Debris and Mudflow Forecast. LACDPW develops their forecast utilizing NWS rainfall intensity data, geologic data specific to the mountains above Sierra Madre, and LACDPW’s own empirical data on local hydrology and debris flow characteristics.
Condition Red is called upon receipt of an LACDPW Phase 2 or 3 Debris and Mudflow Forecast.
Finally, the City issues the warnings as quickly as possible following receipt of NWS and LACDPW forecasts. While it appears counterintuitive to call a Yellow Flag warning while the sun is still shining, the City must err on the side of caution. Again, thank you for your continued patience.
Yellow Flag Condition is now in effect. For more information, please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com.
posted by James
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Green Flag Alert
The City of Sierra Madre issued a Green Flag Mud Alert for Sierra Madre residences in potential mud flow areas. The National Weather Service is forecasting a 70% chance of rain in Sierra Madre on Thursday and 80% chance on Friday. The quantity of precipitation is estimated to be between 2-4".
Should there be mud flow the City of Sierra Madre Public Works Department will work hard to clean the streets of any potential debris and mud as soon as safely possible.
Additional information can be found on the City’s website, www.cityofsierramadre.com.
Should there be mud flow the City of Sierra Madre Public Works Department will work hard to clean the streets of any potential debris and mud as soon as safely possible.
Additional information can be found on the City’s website, www.cityofsierramadre.com.
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